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Full Idea
When we say that something 'just is' right or wrong we want to give the impression of some kind of fact or authority standing behind our words, ...maintaining the trappings of objectivity though the substance is not there.
Gist of Idea
Saying something 'just is' right or wrong creates an illusion of fact and objectivity
Source
Philippa Foot (Morality and Art [1972], p.9)
Book Ref
Foot,Philippa: 'Moral Dilemmas' [OUP 2002], p.9
A Reaction
Foot favours the idea that such a claim must depend on reasons, and that the reasons arise out of actual living. She's right.
| 22448 | We sometimes just use the word 'should' to impose a rule of conduct on someone [Foot] |
| 22444 | A moral system must deal with the dangers and benefits of life [Foot] |
| 22446 | In the case of something lacking independence, calling it a human being is a matter of choice [Foot] |
| 22445 | Morality shows murder is wrong, but not what counts as a murder [Foot] |
| 22447 | Saying something 'just is' right or wrong creates an illusion of fact and objectivity [Foot] |